Australian cyber security centre to be established

More Imagery

Related media

A new Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) drawing on the skills of the nation’s best cyber security experts will be established in Canberra this year.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the ACSC would be the hub of the government’s cyber security efforts and would boost Australia’s ability to protect against cyber attacks.

The ACSC will include, in one place, cyber security operational capabilities from the Defence Signals Directorate, Defence Intelligence Organisation, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Attorney-General’s Department’s Computer Emergency Response Team Australia, Australian Federal Police and the Australian Crime Commission.

The centre will analyse the nature and extent of cyber threats, and lead the Government’s response to cyber incidents.

It will work closely with critical infrastructure sectors and industry partners to protect valuable networks and systems. The centre will also provide advice and support to develop preventative strategies to counter cyber threats.

In 2011-12, there were more than 400 cyber incidents against government systems requiring a significant response by the Cyber Security Operations Centre.

In 2012, 5.4 million Australians were victims of cyber crime with an estimated cost to the economy of $1.65 billion.